Itinerary

1. ISLAMABAD - TAXILA - NARRAN/ BESHAM

   • Arrive at Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, in the morning.

   • At the airport, meet the tour representative and begin a 28 km drive to Taxila - the ancient capital of Buddhist Gandhara civilization which is regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites on the sub-continent. 

   • Here, visit the ruins of a former city called Sirkap, a hill-top former monastery (Julian), and the splendid site museum that contains artefacts excavated from the site. Among these are gold and silver coins from the time of Alexander the Great (326 BC). 

   • After lunch, head towards the Karakoram Highway (KKH) via the beautiful lush green valleys of Mansehra District. The highway was a joint project between Pakistan and China and took 20 years to complete. During its construction, 300 Chinese and 600 Pakistani workers lost their lives.

   • Overnight at a motel in Besham/Narran

   (4-5 hour drive, 200 km)

2. BESHAM/ NARRAN - HUNZA KARIMABAD

   • Early morning drive to Gilgit, the capital of Pakistan’s Northern Areas.

   • Cross a Chinese-made bridge and enter the Indus River gorge. 

   • For centuries, this branch of the Silk Route was used by traders and Buddhist missionaries. There are many rock carving sites dating back to that time, including the carvings at Shatial. 

   • After lunch at Chilas, stop at Thalichi - the best viewpoint of Nanga Parbat (8125m), the 9th highest peak in the world, and the second highest in Pakistan after K2, which is also known as the Killer Mountain. Also, enjoy spectacular views of Rakaposhi (7788m) and the Haramosh Range from the same spot. 

   • While driving north, reach the meeting point of the world’s three highest mountain ranges – the Karakoram, Himalayas, and the Hindukush. At this amazing place, the Gilgit River also joins the mighty Indus.

   • Follow the Gilgit River to Gilgit. After crossing a suspension bridge over the river, reach Kargah and visit the 7th century Buddha carved into the rock. In ancient times, the Kargah Valley was used by Buddhist monks as a route to and from Taxila. 

   • Tour continues along the breathtaking Hunza Valley, where travellers will be able to see the original Silk Route used by both traders and monks. 

   • En route, make a short stop at the Rakaposhi (7788m) viewpoint before arriving at Karimabad, the capital of the Hunza Valley. 

   • Overnight at hotel.

   (7-8hour drive, 180km)

3. AT HUNZA KARIMABAD

   • Free day in Karimabad with time for short walks to the Altit and Baltit forts, and for more exploration of the Hunza Valley. There are superb views of the Karakoram Range from here - Rakaposhi 7788m, Diran 7266m, Ultra 7400m, Golden Peak 7027m, along with glimpses of the Nagar Valley, on the other side of the river. 

   • The friendly, long-living people of the Hunza are almost self-sufficient by growing wheat, maize, apricots, and walnuts and making their own clothes, shoes, and wooden/stone bowls. 

   • In the afternoon, there will be time to walk to the Ultar Glacier by following the irrigation channel through the village. Or stroll through the single-lane bazaar to enjoy more spectacular views of the mountain peaks, soaring around.

   • Overnight at hotel.

4. HUNZA KARIMABAD - PASSU (UPPER HUNZA VALLEY)

   • Take a short drive into the heart of Karakoram. 

   • Stop at the village of Gulmit, in the shadow of the unclimbed Gulmit Tower, and walk through the village fields to visit the polo ground and historic houses.

   • Later, take a short trek to the Gulkin glaciers and Borit Lake. 

   • Our transport will meet us near Borit Lake and take us over the 15 km to Passu. Passu is a charming village set against a backdrop of the soaring Passu Cones, with the Passu and Batura glaciers within short walking distance. 

   • About 70 years ago, Passu was the second largest settlement in Hunza after Karimabad. However, the glacier upstream on the Hunza River began to advance, creating a dam which later broke, washing away houses and fertile fields. Now the river occupies the major share of the valley.

   • There will be time for a walk through the village before overnight at a lodge.

   (1 hour, 50 km).

5. PASSU KHUNJERAB PASS (FULL-DAY EXCURSION)

   • Walk to the Passu Glacier and Passu Lake (45 minutes one-way). 

   • From the snout of the glacier, there are spectacular views of Shispar ( 7611m) and Passu Peak (7478m). 

   • Visit Khunjerab pass, and Pak-China border.

   • Back to the lodge for lunch. 

   • Afterwards, visit the famous suspension bridges of Passu. These 800 feet long bridges over the Hunza River are still used by the local people. 

   • Overnight stay.

6. PASSU - BESHAM / NARRAN

   • Drive back along the KKH, following the Hunza River and enjoying more amazing views of the Karakoram. 

   • Spend the night at Besham / Chilas on the banks of the Indus River.

   (6-7-hour drive, 260km).

7. NARRAN/ BESHAM - ISLAMABAD

   • Start early for the 07,-hour drive along the KKH to Islamabad, with a short stop at Abbottabad for lunch.

   • Transfer to airport for the flight home.

   End the trip.